The front door opened at once, and two men stepped out.
“Patch, you’ve found something?” one of them called.
The dog gave another low growl, never taking its eyes from Wickham. A lantern was raised, and the light fell directly upon him.
He stilled. This had not been part of the plan.
“Well now,” Harris said, his tone sharpening. “Who do we have here?”
Wickham turned, as if to leave.
“I would not run, if I were you,” Harris said calmly. “Patch may take exception to it.”
There was no time to think. Harris stepped forward and seized him.
“Sit down,” he said firmly. “You will remain here for a while.”
He gave a short laugh, looking Wickham over. “And what did you expect to find here? Dust?”
Wickham said nothing.
Harris shook his head. “You are a day late for anything else.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Tom, bring some rope.”
Chapter eighteen
Elizabeth entered the dining room the next morning and was relieved to find it empty. Her thoughts were too numerous and pressing to allow for easy conversation.
She went to the sideboard, selected eggs and a scone, and paused with quiet satisfaction at the sight of hot chocolate. After pouring a cup, she took her seat and sipped it slowly, considering what must be accomplished that day.
Mr. Collins soon entered. His expression altered immediately upon seeing her. He hastened to fill his plate and seated himself beside her.
“Miss Elizabeth, I am glad to have found you. I have long wished to speak with you. This business of your managing Longbourn cannot be true.”
Elizabeth took another measured sip of her chocolate.
Mr. Collins frowned, perplexity giving way to irritation. “Miss Elizabeth, are you attending to what I say?”
She turned her head slightly toward him. “Yes, I heard you.”
“Well then, what have you to say?”
Elizabeth met his gaze calmly. “Unless I am mistaken, sir, you did not ask a question. You made a statement.”
Mr. Collins huffed. “I expect you to pay attention when I speak.”
“Yes,” she replied evenly. “I had understood as much. And as I have already said, I heard you.”
She resumed her breakfast.
Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh entered the room and proceeded to the sideboard before taking their seats. Mr. Collins immediately offered his greetings.
Darcy, Bingley, and Jane followed shortly after and prepared their plates. Mr. Collins’s countenance tightened when Darcy seated himself on Elizabeth’s other side.
Elizabeth offered Darcy a faint smile.
He inclined slightly toward her. “Are you quite well, Miss Elizabeth?”
“I am well,” she said, though her voice was quieter than usual. “Only somewhat fatigued.” Her glance flickered briefly toward Mr. Collins.
